In vitro biomass production of Astragalus species and cycloartane glycosides accumulation

Abstract

Plants are the main source of secondary metabolites that have many beneficial effects on humans and animals. These metabolites cannot be synthesized chemically, because of their complex structures and can only be extracted from plant tissues for their further use in medicine. Plant biomass is an organic matter that has organized living cells. Plant cells and organized tissues have enzymes which regulate the synthesis of these complex secondary metabolite structures. In other words, plant cells and organized tissues are the biofactories of these valuable plant secondary metabolites. Without biomass accumulation, metabolites cannot be produced in sufficient amounts. Therefore, the first step of secondary metabolite production should be to enhance biomass accumulation. In vitro propagation of plant tissues is an environmental-friendly and costeffective method for secondary metabolite production. This method is especially very effective and efficient for endangered plants. In this chapter, in vitro cultures of Astragalus species' efficacity for biomass and secondary metabolite production will be discussed. © 2021 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.